RBS pays out 10% of equity to investment bankers

In the banking business I think we all understand the point and motivational benefit of bonuses, however this story from a Bank that is almost a Government Department (70% government owned) takes insanity to a new level, if you are a taxpayer.

The sheer size of the bonus pool of £4 billion is astounding. That represents just under 10% of the banks equity!

I mention the government ownership because while we are used to investment bankers paying out such bonuses, one would have thought that their government overseers would have insisted on that £4 billion being used to boost capital, or repay Government assistance.

The average employee in its high-risk investment banking arm is likely to take home £240,000, with the top 20 staff in line for payments of between £1m and £5m.

Relevance to Bankwatch:
On a slightly more serious note, when I predicted the arrival of financial utilities in financial services, I did not expect such a hands off approach from government. Surely it will be a matter of time only.